Religion is a self-perpetuating behavioral control mechanism using fear of an inevitible judgement by a deity beyond direct influence. It serves to normalize behavior of large groups to allow humans to more comfortably interact in numbers beyond those who an individual can know personally.
Additionally, religion is used to create differentials in power and authority within a society to organize and direct control. Most commonly, this includes divisions of control by gender and establishment of or support of monarchies.
The dark side of this is that many times, the human organism has difficulty attaining the required ideals and it causes conflict between individuals, within individuals, and between groups of people. Many of these requirements are common sensical and may have had practical value, but they tend to be held for irrationally long time or to the point of absurdity.
Even on its best day, religion is also a mechanism of cruelty...
2007-03-16 18:58:34 · 6 answers · asked by Deathbunny 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Gracious what a nice long rant you have there. What was the question again? As if you really want opinions? Oh yes, control.
Tell me sweetheart, what ISN'T a form of control?
The government, your parents, the laws of the land, taxes, schools, etc etc etc.
2007-03-16 19:02:18 · answer #1 · answered by Last Ent Wife (RCIA) 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree... once man gets involved, we tend to mess things up pretty good. And most religions are (or at least seem like) behavioral control mechanisms. Even Christianity gets abused by people who use it to achieve their own goals.
That's why I don't really profess a religion. I am a Christian only. I do attend services at a very good church but I don't speak for them and they don't speak for me. The more we get caught up in following other men, the farther away we get from God.
I don't see a real question to answer so I will summarize by simply saying that I don't think we should rely on man. We should put our faith and hope in God. Stay away from religion's behavioral control (and society's behavioral control also) and put your whole heart into loving God!
Be blessed!
2007-03-17 02:22:05 · answer #2 · answered by Cool Dad 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, morals are common sense. Religious dogma is absurd and irrational. Look at all the death and murder committed in the name of religion! I believe that this world would be better off to just love God in our own way, if we believe in Him. I will not be controlled through fear of an imaginary place.
2007-03-17 02:06:38 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
are you implying that this is an organized, conscious plan people have when creating and perpetuating religion? cuz i might not agree with that. But you are right, religion provides order and people love order (as much as they deny it). And it normalizes behavior. You hit it on the head.
2007-03-17 02:25:17 · answer #4 · answered by ajj085 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on what you believe, what you value, what you do with your beliefs. Many very religious people have done a whole lot of good. Alot of bad has been done because of religion though too. People who don't think for themselves, and who are blind followers can be lead into anything.
2007-03-17 02:04:20 · answer #5 · answered by Rosalind S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes. I agree
2007-03-17 03:56:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋